Image

Who We Are

Cairn Health works in Sedgwick County, Kansas to provide access to medical and social services to underserved members of our community in order to improve community health, one person at a time.

Our vision is a caring and compassionate continuum of care for all. Our mission (how we work toward that goal) is to provide access to medical services for underserved members of our community in order to improve community health, one person at a time.

We touch innumerable individuals and families each year. Our assistance extends life, improves health, prevents repeated hospitalizations, gives hope and support, addresses our clients' plights, and allows us to improve situations with referrals to other agencies.

Our History

Cairn Health was established as "Medical Service Bureau" in 1937 by a group of physicians and nurses from the Medical Society of Sedgwick County who wanted to build a social service agency through which low-income persons could arrange for their medical needs according to their ability to pay for them. The process started on Friday, January 24, 1936, when an article appeared in the Wichita Beacon newspaper titled "Medical Help Will Be Given to Poor Folks," "Community Chest Planning New System of Aid for the Need." The article went on to report that the health division of the social service planning committee of the Community Chest (now known as United Way of the Plains) was mapping out a campaign of caring for families suffering from illness but who were unable to pay for the services of a physician or to buy medicine. It was suggested that a "Medical Service Bureau" be established.

Over the years we have maintained our relationships with the Medical Society of Sedgwick County and the United Way of the Plains. We were established as a local service agency for the Sedgwick County area and we remain focused on this local area, and have never affiliated with any national organization. We incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) on July 26, 1978.

Frequently Asked Questions